Return to the Wilderness

by Andrea Byrd

Two outcasts. One marriage of convenience. A love story forged in the fires of adversity.

Muireall Blair has finally found a comfortable life at Fort Harrod—until she experiences a recurring nightmare that warns of impending doom for her sister. Unable to shake the weight of foreboding, Muireall cannot sit idle anymore and risk the dream becoming a reality. With her near-sightedness a closely guarded secret, she seeks the help of Jude, a man with his own hidden past, to reach her sister.

Jude Browne has been gifted with a life of fighting for survival, not one of finding acceptance. Half-blinded as a youth, the scars across his face and the knowledge of his illegitimate birth serve as a reminder of his worthlessness. However, when his mother falls ill, she finally lays bare all the secrets she has kept all his life. Secrets that point to his one chance of finding who he truly is.

Jude and Muireall soon realize that a marriage of convenience is the key to reaching Pitman Station safely. But when their secrets unravel and danger closes in, will they succumb to the shadows of their pasts, or will they find the strength to forge a new future together?

Genres: Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Christian Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

As a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, Andrea Byrd has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle. Often described as having been born outside her time, she loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was high time to invoke change in her life. To show her children it is truly possible to make your dreams come true, she dove into the role of Christian Romance author with her debut series, Smoky Mountain Romance.

Reviews

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows the journey of Jude (John) and Muireall as they navigate their marriage of convenience while trying to hide their physical limitations. They must learn to trust each other and be vulnerable with the one they grow to love. They also face danger in the wilderness from nature and bad men.

This was a quick, easy-to-read story that I enjoyed. It was sad that Jude and Muireall felt less than whole because of their physical issues. People always like to look down on disabilities that others can’t control , but God can use anyone with any difficulty for His glory.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Return to the Wilderness” is an inspiring quick read that holds depth and purpose. Taking place in the late 1700s Kentucky wilderness, this western romance centers on a marriage of convenience, disabilities, and lack of self-worth. It’s true strength are the themes of forgiveness and grace that bring this story so much depth.

I felt so deeply for Jude and his anguish. And I could totally relate to Muireall’s sight issues (seeing as I had issues before eye surgery corrected them.) These elements made the story so real, believable, and made it effortless to empathize with the characters. Such a beautiful story of hope and compassion.

First Line: Muireall’s hand flew to her mouth, stifling the scream that came as a scraggly man leapt from within the branches of a red maple as her sister passed.
Series: Frontier Hearts, book 4
Genre: Christian/Western Fiction
Author: Andrea Byrd
Page Count: 158

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Andrea Byrd! I've enjoyed the series based in Kentucky 1784. I found it interesting that Muireall is near sighted. It certainly put limits in place, but she never let it hold her back.

Muireall's compassionate heart is genuine. She cares for others with her whole being. John's story of his past broke my heart. He is a steadfast man, a protector, and loyal.

I have 2 favorite episodes that occurred. 1- when Muireall shoots a bad guy in the toe! 2- when Muireall and her sister Margaret reunite!

I've enjoyed every one of the books from this series! I can't wait to read the next one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness is a stirring conclusion to the Frontier Hearts series. Set in the Kentucky wilderness in the mid 1780s, the well-structured plot with several unexpected twists along the way drew me in from the beginning and kept me absorbed in the story to the satisfying ending. Through excellent characterization, I could relate to the anxiety Muireall experienced with her nearsightedness and could feel Jude’s angst about his facial scars and illegitimacy. I enjoyed the way their romantic relationship develops as they navigate a perilous journey through the Kentucky wilderness as well as their new marriage of convenience and learn to trust and be honest with each other. Faith themes of forgiveness and grace resonated with me as much needed life lesson reminders. I totally enjoyed this short, touching, easy-to-read story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable conclusion to the Fontier Hearts series. I was happy to be able to read about what happened to Muirielle after her sister and her husband left the fort.
full review to come

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the traditions I like about this time period is that a woman must have a chaperon with her if she goes out with a gentleman. This will continue until the woman is married. What a great way to protect a woman’s reputation. I loved following Muireall and her adventure after someone very special passes away.

Muireall is ready to travel to see her sister but must find a way to get there. Here is where another common tradition comes in. A marriage of convenience. I often wonder how many of these actually last forever? As with every marriage the two must get use to each other.

I really enjoyed our two main characters as they started their journey as husband and wife. Muireall has been keeping a secret from Jude. When he discovers her secret he becomes angry because he feels like she lied to him. Why didn’t she tell him before they married? I think she was worried that Jude would reject her. She wanted to see her sister so bad, and Jude was her only way to get there.

Jude wants to protect Muireall and you can tell he starts to have real feelings for her. They do run into danger where they both have to rescue each other. When Jude decides that he has said harsh words to his wife he asks her to forgive him. Then he decides to tell her about his past. As he tells her she learns that he did have a life that at one time was reckless. She is hurt and angry. The author uses this to illustrate how important it is to forgive and judge each other.

The ending brings a bit of suspense where Jude must stand up to protect his wife from two men from his past. I wondered how these men were able to catch up to them and Jude explains that they have been following them for awhile. God is in control in this story and will protect those who reach out to Him. Get ready for a journey that shows faith, forgiveness and a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

GO WITH THE LORD’S CALLING, MY CHILD

The story begins in March 1784, at Ford Harrod, Kentucky, where Muireall Blair continues to have a recurring nightmare of a man falling out of a tree and attacking Margaret. She feels she needs to get to her sister, but can’t do it alone. When her mentor and friend, Petunia, dies in her sleep, Muireall knows that it is time to head back toward Pitman Station and the Green River area.

Jude ‘John’ Browne has recently learned that the man who is to have fathered him is near Pitman Station. When he learns that Muireall Blair needs to go there to find her sister, he is willing to take her, but insists upon marriage to protect her reputation.

The story is a journey of two souls, both with secrets that they don’t share. One is hiding a defect, and the other is illegitimate. They will join together in a marriage, but it will remain one of convenience during the journey. One is unaware of the dangers lurking around them, and the other is in fear for their safety.

I liked how protective John is of Muireall, first her reputation, and also her overall health and well-being. Together, as newlywed strangers, they will set out for Pitman Station. John knows that Muireall wants to reconnect with her sister. Along the journey, they both will turn to their faith in their Heavenly Father and lift matters in prayer. If only they could trust one another, their journey would have been safer.

The story has the good, the bad, and the evil in people. While danger is always present, both as two-legged or four-legged, the one thing that keeps these two grounded is their faith in God. They fail as humans, learn that they are fallible, but together, with God in their marriage, they are stronger.

The story is like a circle from book two, Redemption in the Wilderness. Where Muireall will be taken to Fort Harrod to offer protection after the sisters are attacked, to return home to Margaret and her family.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness is a fun marriage of convenience historical fiction novel with some danger and plenty of secrets as well thrown in. I really enjoyed this book. This is part of a series so do be forewarned.

Jude and Muirreall both have their own issues and secrets. They both have a need to get to a family member. And the best way for them to do this is to get married so they can safely travel together. Neither of them is beating marriage prospects off with a stick either so it seems like a good decision.

But when secrets start popping out of the woodwork are they going to regret their decision?

I enjoyed this novel. It read quickly. The characters drew me in and wouldn’t let me leave. Both of our main characters have things that affect them physically, either that can be seen or that you don’t notice at first. But they are there. And they make them feel less than, like they’re not a whole person and that no one would want them.

This is book four in the series that I mentioned earlier. I do feel you should read the series in order, but you could probably get by with reading this as a stand-alone novel if you wanted to.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Joy Burke]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and don't want to see it end. All good things must end though, but will be keeping my eye on any and all of this authors books. I loved how both of the main characters have secrets and a past that they are trying to overcome. Muireall is having nightmares and she believes that her sister is in trouble. Jude who now goes by John is trying to find his father. When Muireall overhears a conversation between John and two other people about going to Pitman Station, near where her sister lives. She asks if he will escort her there, and he quickly says only if they marry will he take her. The story tells about the trials that they go through on their way to the station. Will they make it to the station, will they stay married, will they find their family members? This book is set in the late 1700's and describes how the landscape was and the dangers that people faced in that time period. I also love how the author uses the dialect that was used in that region and time period. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness was a surprising, refreshing read that hits all the right notes in historical romance. Andrea Byrd brings Muireall and Jude to life in such an authentic way that it’s impossible not to feel connected to them. Both are outcasts with secrets they guard closely, and though they’re initially thrown together out of necessity, their relationship blossoms into something beautiful, raw, and hard-earned. I loved how their partnership felt real—nothing about their connection was rushed or overly sweet. Instead, Byrd builds their trust gradually, giving space for the characters to be vulnerable with each other while they navigate the wild, unpredictable frontier.

Byrd’s portrayal of the frontier becomes its own character in the story, full of both danger and quiet beauty. It adds so much tension and depth to Muireall and Jude’s journey, making every step they take feel like a battle for survival and connection.

Overall, if you’re into historical romance with layered characters and just enough grit, you may like this book.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd is a Christian Historical Romance. It is the fourth book in the Frontier Hearts series. The book chronicles the story of Muireall Blair and her journey from Fort Harrod back to the wilderness with her sister. Experiencing nightmares about impending doom for her sister, Muireall decides to head back to the wilderness with her sister. Suffering from near-sightedness, she keeps the secret closely guarded.

Jude Brown has had a life filled with fighting for survival. When he encounters Muireall at the fort, he knows he has to help her reach her sister. With secrets of his own, he agrees to take her only if she will marry him first to protect her honor.

As the two travel together, the author takes the reader through twists and turns that make it impossible to put the book down. I loved the interactions between Jude and Murieall and how their relationship builds. The ending provides the perfect ending to this book.

So, if you are looking for a Christian Historical Romance, check out Return to the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two lonely hearts with their own agendas unite in a marriage of convenience in order to travel together. Muireall is all alone and wants to search for her sister Margaret and family in the last place they were known to be. Jude wants to go in search of his father that he’s never met in order to seek more about his own self.
They join together on this journey with each harboring secrets they aren’t ready to share.
I like reading these early accounts of folks especially when they are traveling long distances and the length of time it takes to reach their destination. In this story Muireall and Jude faced all kinds of obstacles and danger. The bad weather, river crossings, animals and human stalkers. They faced a lot and I wondered how they would solve their issues. At least they each relied on God and asked for his help along the way. Held my attention and was a fast read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful and emotional series. The lessons learned for me have been that limitations we have don't have to define us. We can have disabilities or tragedies happen in our lives, but we can still have fulfilling relationships and overcome pain to triumph over adversity. The author has written another tremendous example of this in Return to the Wilderness. John/Jude has a mission to track down his father who he feels is the source of all that is wrong in his life. Muireall has limited sight but doesn't want to admit it to anyone but feels she must travel to see her sister after a recurring nightmare. The two enter a marriage of convenience to travel together to accomplish their individual goals but their journey is fraught with danger. This is the part the author does so well! Her characters are so well-developed and believable. I want the story to continue long after it has ended. I will miss this series now that it has ended.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness (Frontier Hearts Book 4) is another excellent short book by Andrea Byrd. If you have been keeping up with the series, then you would have meet Muireall Blair in a previous book. In that story she was not always a help to her sister Margaret. In this story the reasons why become clearer as well as her regrets and fears for the safety of her sister and family.

The time comes to go back in the wilderness to her sister. Jude/John Browne becomes her travel guide, protector and the one to provide a marriage of convenience. A journey of secrets, danger, hardship, and companionship makes this a captivating story. It was never a guarantee that they would make it which made this an exciting story as they learned to trust each other as well as accepting the grace and mercy of God. To understand how far Muireall had come I would suggest also reading Redemption in the Wilderness, if one is new to reading this marvelous series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muireall and Jude both need to travel to the wilderness. Muireall to meet up with her sister and Jude to find his father. However, to travel together, they must marry. In this marriage of convenience story, both the bride and the groom have some secrets they are keeping from one another.

I really enjoyed this story of virtually two strangers starting out on a dangerous trek, supporting one another, and eventually falling in love. That is after they deal with the secrets each of them has and the dangers that seem to keep finding them. I also found this book to be about forgiveness. Especially since I was quite shocked how both reacted to the secrets.

This was a page turner as I was so hoping for a happily ever after for these two.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved John and Muireall's story!! Muireall has seen John around the settlement, but didn't know him, though she was drawn to him. When circumstances change for her, and she keeps having a dream about her sister, Muireall wants to find her sister and make sure she's okay. When she overhears that John is going to Pitman Station, she asks him to take her along. He agrees, but only if she goes as his wife. Muireall agrees, as she sees no other way to get there, and she's sure no other man will want to marry her. She's not sure John would marry her, either, if he knew her secret. John's sure Muireall wouldn't want to marry him if she knew his secrets, and isn't sure she'll forgive him when she does find out. Love how both of them rely on God to carry them through!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness is the fourth installment from Andrea Byrd's Frontier Hearts series. I have enjoyed the previous books from this series and this one is no different. Even though it is part of a collection, it can still be read as a stand alone. I loved getting to know the characters, Jude and Muireall. I thought it was a great marriage of convenience tale to read. I was easily able to read the whole story in one sitting.


I am giving Return to the Wilderness five stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of clean historical fiction. I would love to continue to read more books from the Frontier Hearts series.


I received a paperback copy of Andrea Byrd's Return to the Wilderness from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in the Frontier Hearts series but each read as a stand-alone with the commonality of taking place in the Kentucky wilderness in the 1700’s. During this time period a woman could not travel with a man without a chaperone unless her reputation would be sullied. Desperate times lead to desperate measures of marriage of convenience. Can two people each with secrets learn to trust and confide in each other as they each are on a mission to find a family member. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters as they travel with danger around the corner and grow in their ability to love and discover their self worth. A quick read that I read in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. A great addition to your book list.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Aminata Coote]

Both Muireall and John/Jude had vision troubles and understood what it meant to navigate a world that didn't accept them.

Their dependence on each other for the journey gave them hope they'd finally found someone who accepted them as they were.

Will their secrets threaten their building closeness?

Muireall and John/Jude had to wrestle with what they believed about themselves to find the love they never expected.

Readers of Return to the Wilderness will be reminded that our identity is found in God and nowhere else.

They will also be reminded that God walks with us in our trials. He is our guide and comforter.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the author as part of her launch team; a positive review was not required.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nightmare just keeps coming back. Muireall is sure her sister Margaret is in some kind of trouble. But how can she possibly go back to Pitman Station and the wilderness? This is not a trip she can make by herself. John Browne has a reason to travel to Pitman Station, but taking an unmarried woman along does not fit in the plans.

A marriage of convenience will allow them to travel together. They are both carrying secrets that they do not want to share. Will this affect their ability to safely reach their destination? Join them to see if they finally learn to be honest with each other.

An early copy of Frontier Hearts Book 4 was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Wilderness is the fourth book in Andrea Byrd’s Frontier Hearts series. In this story we meet Muireall and Jude. When Muireall over heard Jude in a discussion in traveling to where her sister is, she asks to go along. He agrees if she becomes his wife. After just a few day of knowing each other, they start their journey through the Kentucky wilderness with one old horse.

This is a well written, easy to read story that is easily read in a day. The story shows how God puts two people together for the good of both. Not knowing each other well, they both have issues they struggle with to deal with along the way. I enjoyed the suspense in the story as well as the growing relationship.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muireall is a talented seamstress, living at a fort in Kentucky. She is driven to find her sister, and happens across Jude, who is travelling to where she needs to go in the wilderness. They marry for convenience, each searching for answers, each holding something back about themselves. They face dangers on their journey, and they both fall back on their faith to see them through. Very hard to put down, very easy to become attached to them both. Excellent quick read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ReturnToTheWilderness #AndreaByrd #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading the books in this series and seeing how different people might have survived in the Kentucky wilderness. I liked how in this story even though it started off as a marriage of convenience, as Jude and Muireall spent time together and opened up about their past and struggles, they were able to draw nearer as a couple and see their own worth. I liked how they both had secrets that they were afraid to share but once they did they were able to have a good loving relationship. I thought this was a good story and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in Byrd’s Frontier Hearts series. Once again her main female character has to deal with a disability on top of journeying through the wilderness on the frontier in Kentucky. I have appreciated Byrd’s handling of the various disabilities of the female characters, and have greater appreciation than ever of modern medical means we have for dealing with similar disabilities.

I also like the way the characters need to learn how to trust God and His love instead of feeling unworthy of another’s love.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy to read novella set in the rugged terrain of Kentucky during 1784. The tale brought life to the challenges, heartache and desperation to know answers for Muireall and Jude. Their disability hindered in ways but yet they were thoughtful and compassionate toward others. A marriage of convenience gave way to ups and downs as their journey took them through the wilderness. Byrd penned a poignant tale as the couple risked their lives in opening up to their hidden disability with each other, but with a growing faith and trust in God nothing is impossible. There is a beautiful conclusion to the story as well as being the final book in the Frontier Heart series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Wild Heart Books. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Sarah Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good conclusion to the series - learning about Muireall helped bring all the stories full circle.

However, as a nearsighted person it really bothered me that there was really no resolution to that aspect of the story - especially since the modern “eyeglasses” concept was invented in 1750 and Benjamin Franklin would have been creating bifocals right around the timeline of this story so it could have been a really cool and creative inclusion to help Muireall, even if just in the epilogue. I completely understood how she felt not being able to see and the anxiety of that going into the unknown because without my glasses or contacts my vision is worse than what hers is described. Get the girl some spectacles!

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this so fast! I sure was bummed when I got to the last page. I loved the story.

I related to Muireall Blair. I'm nearsighted. Thank goodness for eyeglasses. I can not imagine not having them. Muireall didn't have that option. She felt it was something she had to hide from others.

Jude aka John felt he had to hide his background. He wouldn't be loved if they knew the real story.

GOD knew what he was doing when he brought them together: Two lonely people who hid their true selves from others.

I highly recommend the book especially if you love historical fiction.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muireall has a secret-one that keeps her tied to Fort Harrod. That is until she has nightmares of something happening to her sister. She seeks the help of Jude to help her reach her sister. Jude has his own secret. A marriage of convenience to protect her is the only way he will travel with her to find her sister. Through much danger they learn to depend on each other and their love for one another grows. Muireall learned that over and over, the Lord saw her through the unimaginable.
R. Fody
Sept. 22, 2024

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story set in the Kentucky wilderness since I am familiar with this area and have often wondered what it would have been like living in that time period. I felt a part of the story as you learn that secrets abound between Muireall Blair and Jude Browne, but they have to put aside their pride in order to be able to trust each other. They will need to lean on each to survive the dangerous journey to seek the answers to the questions they each have. Muireall and Jude were believable characters that found strength in their weaknesses through their faith in God.

This is the fourth book in the Frontier Hearts series. However, it can be read as a standalone if you choose. Readers from teens through adults can travel with Muireall and Jude as they face the danger that awaits them.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return To the Wilderness " by Andrea Byrd was a short read. It was about a girl searching for her sister and a guy searching for his father. It is also about the two getting married so they could travel together. The marriage seemed doomed from the start because they both had a secret they were afraid to share. There were a few surprises that I wasn't excepting but they were what made the book a good read.
I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.